"Blacken the sky Can't stand to see the sun The truth of light Reveals the hatred that has won" – I Saw The End by Pallbearer

With Orationem comes a different breed of black metal. Orationem’s style of black metal is in the vein of traditional black metal, but the message is different. Instead of burning churches and sacrificial slaughters, Orationem focuses on more positive subjects. While that may be off the beaten path, that doesn’t change the fact that the music itself is what is under review and that doesn’t change the fact that the music is still blistering and offers up skin shredding black metal.

With Pure Peace and Joy, Love and Kindness, Orationem starts out strong and never wavers throughout the release. Each of the five songs that make an appearance on this release are long and Orationem utilizes that time to shroud you in atmosphere and provide you with blistering atmospheric black metal. The entirety of each song isn’t just head caving blasphemy, but when needed a more melodic side creeps in and slows the song down submerging you head first into the music.

Each song is connected as well and the bridge between every song is some almost melancholic orchestral play. This addition of violins and the like aren’t just present at the ending of each song to string everything together, but the presence is also felt throughout the release. The injection of these non traditional black metal instruments provides you with plenty of atmosphere and add diversity to the music to give the listener something more to chew on.

As mentioned, each song isn’t just about shredding your face off with a blistering style of play, but instead at times in each song the music is slowed and Orationem lets the atmosphere sink in and lets you catch your breath a little bit. There is plenty of melody within this release and each of the instruments are identifiable so the songs don’t sound like one giant wall of noise.

With this new record, you get writhing riffs, solid and pummeling drums, an ever present rumbling bass, and larynx shredding vocals. Everything put together makes for a listen that really makes you pay attention to detail and makes you listen to the album through and through.

This is an interesting release with a different take on black metal entirely. As long as the songs are, they keep your attention and keep you listening. This album gives you plenty to think about and gives you more than enough material to listen to. Pure Peace and Joy, Love and Kindness is different from Orationem’s last release Fulfiller, Sustainer, Preserving Protector and it is a good progression. Overall this album is a good one and if you are a fan of black metal, you can’t go wrong.